The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced a QR code-based Photo Identity Card system to enhance security and prevent unauthorised access at counting centres during elections.
The new system will be implemented starting May 4, during the counting of votes for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, as well as bye-elections in seven constituencies across five states. The poll body said the mechanism will subsequently be extended to all future Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
As part of the initiative, the ECI has integrated a QR-based identity verification module into its ECINET platform, aiming to ensure secure and streamlined access control at counting venues.
The ECI said a three-tier security system has been put in place. At the first and second levels, identity cards issued by Returning Officers will be manually verified. At the innermost security layer near the counting halls, entry will be granted only after successful QR code scanning.
The QR-based ID cards will be mandatory for all authorised personnel, including Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical teams, candidates, election agents, and counting agents.
The move is part of a broader push by the Commission to strengthen election management, following a series of over 30 reforms introduced in the past year, including QR-based identity cards for Booth Level Officers.
To facilitate media coverage, dedicated media centres will be set up near counting halls, while journalists will continue to be granted access based on authorisation letters issued by the Commission.
The ECI has directed Chief Electoral Officers, District Election Officers, and Returning Officers to ensure proper implementation of the system, including deployment of trained personnel at checkpoints to maintain high standards of transparency, efficiency, and security during the counting process.
